Difference between kratom and opium
What is the difference between kratom and opium? This is a question that a lot of people have asked, especially since the two are so similar in nature. Here, we will try and break down the difference between the two, so you can become aware of which is more dangerous, kratom or opium?
Kratom and Opium are both psychoactive drugs, but there are differences between the two. Kratom comes from a tree, and opium comes from a poppy seed pod. Kratom is typically used for pain relief, and opium is typically used as a recreational drug. It is important to know the differences between Kratom and Opium so you can take these drugs as safely as possible.
What is kratom?
Kratom is a plant that is native to Southeast Asia. It has been traditionally used as a medicinal plant for centuries. It is commonly used in powder form which is obtained from grinding its dried leaves. Some also make a tea of it.
Mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine are the active alkaloids of kratom that bind to opioid receptors. These alkaloids can lead to pain relief, euphoria, and feelings of relaxation.
The drug has opioid properties and is often used to treat withdrawal symptoms for those addicted to opioids.
Kratom is found in different veins and forms, each giving a little different effect.
What is opium?
Opium is an addictive drug that is made from the juice of poppy plants. It can be used as a narcotic, and sometimes it’s used as an analgesic by medical professionals.
Opium can be obtained after a plant’s flower petals have fallen; simply, slightly incise the seed capsules of the poppy and allow them to exude a milky latex. This raw opium will become a coagulated gum-like brown mass upon exposure to air. It can be ground into a powder or sold in lumps, cakes, or bricks. It may be further treated to obtain derivatives such as morphine, codeine, and heroin which are called opiates.
Kratom uses versus opium uses:
Kratom is a medicinal herb that has been used by people of several cultures and nations for centuries to help ward off any number of afflictions including but not limited to: abdominal, chest, back, and head pain. The most traditional use of kratom is as an analgesic – more specifically to treat short and long-term pain alike.
From everyday aches and pains to more serious conditions like opiate withdrawal and anxiety; kratom may be the most convenient way to get relief. It is also used to treat cognitive disorders.
Opium has different derivatives that are differently used. The poppy plant is a flowering plant that is used in the garden for its beautiful flowers, often red, pink, purple, or yellow. Poppy seeds may be used in baking and can be purchased in the spice section at the grocery store. Most of the opiates are removed during processing so consuming poppy seeds won’t show up on drug tests.
Opium Tincture) is a prescription medication in the opioid class. This medication is used to control a person’s diarrhea by reducing the number and frequency of bowel movements. It works by increasing smooth muscle tone and decreasing fluid secretions in the intestines to slow the movement of bowel matter through his or her body.
Heroin is derived from the opium alkaloid morphine and is roughly two to three times more potent. A highly addictive drug, heroin exhibits euphoric and analgesic central nervous system properties. Pure heroin is a white powder that tastes bitter.
Kratom side effects versus opium side effects:
The side effects of kratom vary depending on the person and their dosage. For example, someone who takes a small dose might develop different side effects than someone who takes a large dose. Long-term usage of kratom can lead to liver toxicity, constipation, and itching. In most extreme cases kratom overdosage can also lead to respiratory depression and death. But kratom side effects are always less than opioids.
Common side effects of extended-release opioid administration include sedation, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and physical dependence. Physical dependence and addiction are clinical concerns that may prevent proper prescribing and in turn inadequate pain management.
Stop taking this medication and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms of opium overdose: anxiety, trouble breathing or swallowing, the beginning signs of a skin rash like hives, chest pain or discomfort, chills, cold sweats, confusion, constricted pupils, cool and clammy skin, difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Kratom is used in the treatment of opium withdrawal symptoms:
Kratom is an evergreen tree that grows in the hot and humid rainforests of South Asia. It has been used traditionally for its medicinal effects. Many opiate addicts have begun to use Kratom as an alternative to treat their addiction. This is because the chemical compounds found in kratom bind with the brain receptors that usually respond to opiates like heroin, morphine and primary suffering from opioid addiction thus helping them slowly overcome their opioid drug dependency and withdrawal symptoms.
Kratom is not quite as addictive as opioids and its side effects are milder than opioids’ side effects, so it’s considered a safer option for those who are trying to break the opioid addiction.
Opium is a highly addictive substance that can be highly detrimental to your health if used for long periods of time. Kratom, on the other hand, is a much safer alternative and can be used for pain relief, to help with opioid withdrawal symptoms, and to increase energy.